2001 | Jaguar XKR

British Power, Open Air – the 2001 Jaguar XKR Convertible

THE CAT IS BACK. With these bold words, Jaguar launched the long-awaited XK on 7 March 1996 at the Geneva Motor Show. A true sports car had returned to the marque’s line-up

Successor to the long-running XJS, the new XK featured Jaguar’s modern 4.0 litre AJ-V8 engine and was offered as a coupé or a two-door convertible. For reasons of time and cost efficiency, it was developed on the platform of the outgoing XJS, but with a completely new design. The XK clearly took inspiration from the iconic E-Type of the 1960s with its retro-inspired styling – yet the result was a sleeker and more dynamic-looking car. While functional bonnet vents further echoed its legendary predecessor, the interior reflected more classic elegance, with no visible link to the XJS.

In its first year alone, the XK sold over 14,500 units and surpassed the best annual sales figure of the XJS. In 1998, Jaguar introduced the supercharged variant that turned the XK into the high-performance XKR. The XKR impressively combined power, space for four, making it an ideal long-distance GT – one that could accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in approximately 5 seconds. With 363 bhp and 500 Nm of torque, the XKR delivers confident performance in every driving situation. This is further enhanced by Jaguar’s Computer Active Technology Suspension (CATS) system that uses adaptive dampers to adjust to road conditions in milliseconds, ensuring optimal grip and comfort.

This particular XKR convertible was imported by Jaguar Switzerland AG in 2001. While the car has had three owners, it has clocked up only 47,500 km after being driven exclusively in the summer months. It maintains its original colour, Topaz, which pairs perfectly with the later-fitted mesh grille. The dashboard is finished in an elegant burled walnut.

In 2019, the current owner had the electrically operated soft-top professionally replaced, along with a full overhaul of the hydraulic system. The 20-inch wheels and modified suspension are road-legal and listed in the vehicle registration, with the original wheels included in the sale. This beautifully preserved example of Jaguar’s modern classic is refined, rare and ready for the road.